USEF & Time to Ride Partner in Let’s Move Initiative

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Time to Ride have begun outlining plans to strengthen the current marketing alliance between the two organizations. In preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative to increase opportunities for physical activity among the nation’s youth. By challenging the National Governing Bodies of Olympic and Paralympic sports to bring new engagements to their respective sports, the USEF is pleased to partner with Time to Ride to bring 25,000 new youth engagements to equestrian sports in 2016 through the Time to Ride Challenge.

“The USEF is very excited to work with Time to Ride and the USOC to increase youth participation in equestrian sport,” said USEF Interim CEO Bill Moroney. “Introducing youth to horses not only helps them get active, but it ultimately benefits the sport when those children fall in love with horses.”

The Time to Ride initiative was created with this exact mission in mind, and its programs offer incentives for introducing new people to horses. In its third year, the Time to Ride Challenge offers equine professionals (“hosts”) an opportunity to grow their businesses by meeting and connecting with horse-interested people while competing for cash and prizes. In 2016, the Challenge will offer over $100,000 in rewards as Challenge hosts hold activities during the months of June, July, August and September to give newcomers a chance to meet and interact with a horse or pony. Last year, more than 40,000 adults and youth were introduced to equestrian sport through the Challenge.

“Time to Ride is thrilled to be part of this effort that brings the excitement of the Olympic Games to a mission we’re passionate about,” said Marketing Manager Christie Schulte. “When kids and families find local riding opportunities, they’re supporting equine businesses and hopefully taking the first step towards lifelong involvement in the horse industry while reaping the health and fitness benefits.”

The American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance, which created and supports Time to Ride, believes that a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways. The AHC Marketing Alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, Morris Media Network Equine Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, United States Equestrian Federation, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, the American Paint Horse Association, Equibrand, the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Texas A&M University Equine Initiative, Lumina Media, Pyranha, the America’s Mustang Campaign, and Colorado State University Equine Sciences Program.

For more information on the Time to Ride Challenge, please visit timetoride.com.

Subscriptions

2018 QHN Stallion Register

Latest Photos

About Quarter Horse News

Quarter Horse News is an award-winning semimonthly magazine that provides the most comprehensive and timely coverage of the Western performance horse industry. Focusing on cutting, reining and reined cow horse, Quarter Horse News has been a trusted source of news and information with real meaning to its readers for more than 30 years. Read More